Winter Journey in Nara

While enjoying the amazing snowy scenery and early spring flowers, formed
with history and nature in harmony, warm yourself up with hot springs and
hot dishes. Hospitality and cordial manners will satisfy the chilly traveler.
Why not come to this old Japanese town and enjoy a trip in winter?

Recommended Winter DestinationsArea 1 Dorogawa & Tenkawa
Warm yourself up at Dorogawa Onsen and Mt. Omine Dorogawa Onsen is a famous
hot spring located in a remote area known for its remarkable mineral water,
and also the birthplace of Shugendo religious training. It is located about
820 meters above sea level on the bank of Sanjo River. Sanjo River is the
headstream of Kumano River, and it rises in the Mt. Omine range. Its spring
water quality is simple. The water is tasteless and odorless, and very
mild so comfortable to soak in. The historic streets, lined with long-established
inns, create a nostalgic atmosphere filled with the aura of nature at its
freshest. Mt. Omine is a sacred mountain for the practitioners of Shugendo,
as Shugendo religious training is said to have been founded here 1300 years
ago by Enno Gyoja.

Dorogawa Onsen is a post-station town, and it has flourished as the base
for climbers who follow the Mt. Omine faith. The warmth of the people living
there has remained unchanged for ages, and their warm welcome has aided
the area’s popularity. Recently, the number of visitors such as couples,
groups of women, and foreign tourists has increased. How about mentally
and physically unwinding and relaxing at Dorogawa Onsen?

Welcomed by Locals on the Sacred Mountain Groups of men requiring vegetarian
meals used to be typical visitors to this post-station town that welcomes
mountain ascetics. It has been a custom of Dorogawa’s facilities to cater
for guests night and day. Even though many ordinary tourists also come
to visit the town these days, the warm welcome still remains.

What is often said about this amicable town is that you can relax as if
you are at home, and easily communicate with the people around. Bathing
in a hot spring surrounded by snow and eating wild game, such as wild boar
or deer, are recommended in winter. The wild boar meat hot pot, which uses
lean Omine Boar, is waiting for you. Bathing surrounded by snow enjoying
the silence and the warmth –What you see from the open-air bath or the
semi-open-air bath is a silent snowscape. A luxurious warm moment for you
in the light from the snow.

“Smack your Lips” over the boar meat hot pot – As boar meat contains high
protein and low fat and low calories, it is the dish women prefer. The
boar meat hot pot, which contains plenty of collagen, is highly recommended
as it also works well for your skin.

Tenkawa Daibenzaitensha Shrine
This is a famous old shrine for worshipping the god of art. It is one of
Japan’s three great shrines honoring Benzaiten, who is also known as the
god of music and entertainment. Extensive materials for Noh play are preserved,
and Noh plays dedicated to the god Benzaiten are performed there every
year.

Enjoy the Beautiful Landscape of Rime Ice
During severe winter on Mt. Kannonmine, you can see a splendid view of
the leafless trees completely covered with rime ice. From the observatory,
which is located at the height of 1285m above sea level, you can enjoy
the dynamic panorama of Mt. Inamuragadake, Mt. Misen, Mt. Hakyogatake.
If you are a good walker, you should head off toward the top of the mountain,
walking through the rime ice forest with its breathtaking view. Be sure
to prepare well for mountain climbing.

Enjoy a ski resort with the family – Ski resorts are rarely seen in the
Kii Peninsula
This cozy ski slope is a perfect place for the beginners to start skiing,
and to enjoy sleigh rides especially for families. It is also popular among
advanced skiers for its smooth and dry snow quality at 960-1,040 meters
high.

Snow Park Dorogawa
Tel: 0747-64-0082
Address: 678-220 Dorogawa, Tenkawamura, Yoshino-gun
Open in winter: 8:30-16:00. Admission: Adult ¥1,000, Children ¥500
Access: Take bus from Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi Stn. and get off at Dorogawa
Onsen bus stop. 10-min. taxi ride from the bus stop.
*If the snowfall is not sufficient, the park will be closed. Please check
before leaving home.

Area 2 YoshinoSpend a Special Relaxing Moment in Winter in Yoshino
Yoshino-cho in Yoshino-gun, is a historical mountain village and a special
place to visit in quiet winter. This is the place where history has been
made since the ancient Asuka and Nara periods. Quiet winter is the best
season to visit this romantic place and think back over ancient times.
Everything you find here has been refined over a long time; the Onsen,
where you can enjoy panoramic views of snow capped mountains; local hot
pot dishes, which are arranged in various imaginative ways; and the famous
temples with their national treasure buildings, which you can find while
walking around. To appreciate the mysterious charms of Yoshino in depth,
a trip in winter is the thing to do.

Enjoy an Onsen with a Great View and Local Special Dishes to the Fullest
at a Classic Inn on Mt. Yoshino. There is a peaceful hot-spring inn with
a great view where you can stay in Yoshino, where history and culture have
been cherished for centuries. In the open-air bath, you can look over Mt.
Yoshino covered with snow, which makes you think back through the long
history. Gradually warming up in a hot onsen, you can spend a luxurious
moment with an elegant view in a quiet, comfortable atmosphere. The local
food in this mountain village is recommended, such as wild boar, venison,
pheasant and the arrowroot starch called Yoshino Kuzu, among many other
dishes using local products.

Kinpusen-ji Temple
Kinpusen-ji Temple, which is a training hall for Shugendo, has a national
treasure, Zaodo Hall. That magnificent structure looks most beautiful in
quiet white winter. Here, the general public may participate in the morning
religious service. How about attending the service in a crisp and solemn
atmosphere? On every February 3rd, after the Setsubun ceremony, a unique
fire festival is held. Here the participants chant ‘In with the demon,
in with good luck’, in order to receive the ousted demons from the whole
country and finally convert them to Buddhism.
Tel:0746-32-8371. Address: 2500 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho,
Yoshino-gun. Open: 8:30-16:30 (Last entry at 16:00)
Admission: ¥500-¥1,000 for special viewing period
Access: Take the ropeway from Kintetsu Yoshino Station and get off at Yoshinoyama
stop, and approx. 20-min. from the ropeway stop.

Fresh, crispy winter air in Nara will awaken your senses. Enjoy special
winter experiences at historical temples and shrines in the old capital.
Listening to priests’ stories in a shrine and watching how Buddhist monks
work every day will deepen your understanding about the culture of Japan.
Many temples and shrines open some of their “secret” doors to the public
only during the winter months. Dress up warm and go out for a journey to
discover lesser-known “premium” Nara.

Location 1 Todai-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
Grand Temple which boasts tangible and intangible heritages Todai-ji Temple
was commissioned by Emperor Shomu, who was an devout worshipper of Buddhism,
in the Nara period (710-794). The Buddhist sutra, “Kegon-kyo,” describes
that the size of the universe can be described as Buddha’s height times
10. As if representing this description, the large statue of Vairocana
(or Daibutsu, Great Buddha) was completed in 752, and a huge celebration
ceremony was held.

The original Daibutsu-den Hall was lost in fire in the late Heian period,
but was successfully restored in the early Kamakura period, funded by a
donation from the Buddhist monk, Chogen. It was also the time when genius
Buddhist sculptors led by Unkei and Kaikei flourished, and many of their
sculptures still remain today as National Treasures. As the result of another
fire, the current building is a reconstruction completed in 1709. The most
famous rite of Todai-ji Temple is “Shunie” or more familiarly known as
“Omizutori” in March. Surprisingly, the Shunie rite has never been missed
in over 1250 years from its original start.

Todai-ji Temple
Address: 406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara
Open: Daibutsu-den Hall, Hokke-do Hall, Kaidan-do Hall: 8:00-16:30
(Nov. to Feb.), 8:00-17:00 (Mar. to Oct.). Access: Take the bus from JR
or Kintetsu Nara Station and get off at Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae,
and about 5-min. walk

DID YOU KNOW!?
The Miraculous power of Great Buddha’s palm The Great Buddha holds his
right hand up and shows the palm to the front, while his left hand is on
his left knee palm up. The right hand, called Semui-in, represents the
spiritual power to dispel fear and anxiety, while the left hand, called
Yogan-in, has the power to make people’s wishes come true.

Location 2 Kinpusen-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
Sacred Home of Shugendo founded by Enno Gyoja
Kinpusen-ji Temple was established by Enno Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo
(the Shugen sect), a religion that fuses the faiths of Shintoism and Buddhism,
and is one of several religions unique to Japan. Magnificent statues of
Zao Daigongen, colored in blue, stand here. They are said to have been
carved by Enno Gyoja himself out of the wood of cherry trees when he was
engaged in spiritual training on the mountain. Cherry trees have been recognized
as a sacred symbol of Yoshino for more than 1,300 years, cherished and
protected not only for their flowers, but also for their wood, which is
deemed sacred.

The Zao-do Hall is a massive wooden gate which is designated as a National
Treasure. The most important aspect of Shugendo training is to attempt
hard training in the mountain, and to seek the wisdom of Enno Gyoja there.
Surrounded by the solemn atmosphere of Yoshino, it will be such an exceptional
life experience to try Shugendo training.

Enno Gyoja was the founder of Shugendo who lived in the 5th to 6th century.
One of the historical records of Japan describes how Enno Gyoja had a mysterious
spiritual power and could control fairies and demons as he wished.

Kinpusen-ji Temple
Address: 2500 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara
Open: 8:30-16:30 (last entry: 16:00).
Access: Take the ropeway from Kintetsu Yoshino Station and get off at Yoshinoyama
stop, and approx. 20-min. walk from the ropeway stop.

DID YOU KNOW!?
Unique Setsubun rite welcoming both good demons and bad demons
February 3rd is the Setsubun, or seasonal division from winter to spring.
At the massive Zao-do Hall of Kinpusen-ji Temple, a large scale Setsubun
Rite is held from the 1st to 3rd of February. What is unique about Setsubun
at this temple is that demons are also treated as good luck, while usual
Setsubun rites treat them as evil. They welcome to the temple demons warded
off from all around Japan, and let them reform their wicked minds with
the power of Buddhist sutras.

Location 3 Kasuga Taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
Grand shrine of Nara where a deity descended
Ancient myths tell us that about 1300 years ago when the national capital
was relocated in Nara, the Great Deity Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto came all
the way from Kashima Shrine (Ibaraki Prefecture) to Mt. Mikasa in Nara,
which is considered a holy mountain, to dwell on its summit for the prosperity
of the nation and the happiness of the people. Later on in 768, the shrine
halls were established. The shrine halls’ bright vermillion columns, white
walls, and roofs of hinoki cypress bark contrast beautifully with the green
of the surrounding ancient woods.

According to local folklore, deer from this area were considered sacred
due to a visit from Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, who is said to have appeared
on Mt. Mikasa riding a white deer. From that point, the deer were considered
divine and sacred. The serene beauty of the buildings has not changed since
its inception. This is because of the “Shikinen Zotai” ceremony which takes
place every 20 years. In this ceremony, the buildings of the shrine are
repaired, the tools and instruments used are renewed, and ceremonial rituals
are held strictly according to their traditions.

Onmatsuri is an annual grand festival dedicated to the deity of Wakamiya
Shrine, one of the auxiliary shrines of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In mid-December,
a number of rituals, ceremonies and performances of traditional performing
arts will be held.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Address: 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City
Open: 6:30-17:00 Access: Take a bus from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station and
get off at Kasuga Taisha Honden stop

DID YOU KNOW!?
Discovering three stone lanterns inscribed “Kasuga Daimyojin” will bring
luck and fortune On both sides of the long shrine approach, there stands
some 2,000 stone lanterns. It is believed that if we can discover three
stone lanterns in one day on which is inscribed
“Kasuga Daimyojin (春日大明神)”, we can receive incredible good luck and fortune!

Location 4 Kohfuku-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
Massive temple complex flourished with the Fujiwara Clan
The origin of Kohfuku-ji Temple dates back to 669, during the time when
Emperor Tenchi ruled Japan. One of the most famous and influential court
officers, Kamatari Nakatomi, fell ill and a temple was constructed to pray
for his recovery. This temple was moved later when the national capital
was relocated in Nara, and was also renamed as Kohfuku-ji Temple.

Kohfuku-ji Temple received considerable support from the imperial court
and the powerful Fujiwara clan which extended its prosperity. Its power
was so great that Kohfuku-ji Temple ruled almost all of the province at
that time. Also, the temple made a large contribution to the development
of cultural items such as Buddhist sculptures, noh and kyogen theatre plays,
food like tofu, miso and sake, and more.

Kohfuku-ji Temple
Address: 48 Noborioji-cho, Nara City
Open: Tokon-do Hall 9:00-17:00. Access: Approx. 5-min. walk from Kintetsu
Nara Station or take the bus from JR Nara Station and get off at Kencho-mae
Stop

Location 5 Hase-dera Temple
Magnificent Statue of Kannon
It is believed that Hase-dera Temple was founded by the Buddhist priest,
Tokudo Shonin, who in it enshrined the Eleven-Faced Kannon (Goddess of
Mercy) statue, by order of the Emperor Shomu in the 8th century. Going
up the 399 stone staircases will bring you to the main hall where Japan’s
largest wooden statue of Kannon (over 10 meters tall) is enshrined. From
the balcony, a superb view of the city can be enjoyed.

Location 6 5Muro-ji
Mt. Koya for Women
Muro-ji Temple is built on a steep slope to the north of the Muro River.
It is said that it was originally the site where the 8th century Buddhist
monk Kenkei had a temple, and that his disciple Shuen designed the alignment
of Muro-ji’s structures as they still stand today. In contrast to Kongobu-ji
Temple (on Mt. Koya in Wakayama, erected by the Buddhist monk Kukai in
the early 9th century) which prohibited the entrance of women, Muro-ji
Temple, built by the same sect, allowed women to visit and thus was frequented
by many female worshippers. It was called "Nyonin-Koya" or Mt.
Koya for Women.

Muro-ji Temple
Address: 78 Murou, Uda City, Nara. Open: 9:00-16:00.
Access: Take the bus from Kintetsu Murou Ono-guchi Station and get off
at Murou-ji Temple. An approx. 5-min. walk from the bus stop.

Translators of this issue:

NARA PARK AREA GUIDE

Kohfuku-ji Temple AreaThe Area with Many National Treasure Buildings

1) The Nara National Museum
The Nara National Museum is one of the leading facilities for Buddhist
art collection, and includes many National Treasures or Important Cultural
Properties. The annual exhibition of Shoso-in Repository attracts a large
number of visitors ever y year. The Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall is a stately,
western-style structure opened in 1895, and it has been designated as an
Important Cultural Property.

2) Kohfuku-ji Temple
Kohfuku-ji Temple was once a large temple which used to lead Buddhist society
along with Todai-ji Temple. Although most of the halls and pagodas have
been lost in fires, a number of important cultural properties remain.The
50-meter five-story pagoda, which is the main feature of the temple, was
reconstructed in 1426.

3) Kohfuku-ji National Treasure Hall
The Kohfuku-ji National Treasure Hall houses about 20,000 National Treasures
and Important Cultural Properties belonging to Kohfuku-ji Temple, including
the famous statue of Ashura and the Buddha head of the former Yamada-dera
Temple.
Note: the National Treasure Hall will be closed from January 1st to December
31st, 2017 for ear thquake resistance renovation. However, a selection
of artifacts will be exhibited at the temporar y Ko-do Hall.

4) Nan’en-do Hall
The Nan’en-do Hall of Kohfuku-ji Temple is the ninth temple of the 33 Saigoku
Sacred Pilgrimage Sites, and it’s the only such site in Nara City. The
current Hall was constructed in 1741. Nan’en-do Hall houses a seated image
of Fukukensaku Kan’non as its principal icon, as well as standing images
of Shitenno, the Four Heavenly Kings, all National Treasures.

5) Ukimi-do Pavilion
Ukimi-do is a hexagonal pavilion with a unique atmosphere, apparently "floating"
over the Sagi Pond in Nara Park. The beautiful reflection on the pond’s
surface makes it a waterside oasis.

6) Marumado-tei House
The Marumado-tei is a wooden warehouse with a thatched roof which was
once Kasuga Taisha’s sutra repository, and is located within the Kataoka
plum forest near Sagi Pond.

Kasugano Area1) Todai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple was built as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist
temples of Japan during the mid-8th century Tempyo era when Japan’s Buddhist
culture was flourishing. One of the seven great temples of Nara, Todai-ji
Temple has many highlights in its spacious grounds.

2) Daibutsu-den Hall
Though the present Daibutsu-den Hall is only two thirds of the size of
the original, it still is the largest ancient wooden structure in the world,
and the Great Buddha, the principal image of the temple, awes visitors
with its imposing appearance.

4) Himuro Shrine
Himuro Shrine is a unique shrine dedicated to the god of ice that protects
a Himuro (icehouse) which was built with the establishment of Heijo-kyo.
The Himuro Shrine is worshipped by ice manufacturers from all over Japan.
During the Kempyo-sai Festival, a block of ice which is packed with carp
and bream is offered to the god.

5) Nigatsu-do Hall
The Nigatsu-do Hall is the site where the Omizu-tori water drawing ceremony
is held in March every year. The views from its balcony across Nara are
magnificent.

6) Yoshikien Garden
The Yoshikien Garden consists of Japanese gardens and a separate tea house.
This impressive garden has Mount Kasuga and Mount Mikasa as shakkei (borrowed
landscapes.)

7) Isuien Garden
The Isuien Garden consists of the front garden and the back garden. The
Meiji period back garden is the only strolling-around-the-pond style garden
in Nara.

Tobihino AreaRelax and Enjoy the Rich Greenery

1) Tobihino Field
The name “ Tobihino” is derived from “Tobufu”, a signal fire lit by the
field guard a long time ago.

2) “Rokuen” Deer Protection Center
The Rokuen Deer Protection C enter is a veterinary hospital which takes
a special care of deer. Almost 1000 deer are living in Nara Park and they
are protected by the Foundation for the Protection of Deer in Nara.

3) Man’yo Botanical Garden in Kasuga Taisha Shrine
In Man’yo Botanical Garden, there are over 300 varieties of flora, each
of which has its name and the corresponding Man’yo poem written on a signpost.

4) Wakamiya Shrine
Wakamiya Shrine is located at the foot of Mount Mikasa, and is famous for
its wisteria.

5) Kasuga Taisha Shrine
The enshrinement of a god from Kashima Shrine, present day Ibaraki Prefecture,
at the peak of Mount Mikasa to protect the Heijo-kyo Capital at the beginning
of Nara period , is believed to be the origin of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine,
built in 768. The bright vermillion shrine halls and the lanterns hanging
from the eaves of the cloister, contrast beautifully with the green of
the surrounding cedar woods.

6) The World of Dense Kasuga-yama Hill Primeval Forest
Since the Heian Dynasty, for over 1000 years, hunting and logging have
been prohibited in Kasuga-yama, a sacred hill of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Thanks to this policy, Kasuga-yama Hill Primeval Forest, unlike other primeval
forests near the city centers of the world, is a haven for rare animals
and plants. 1000-year-old giant cedars, firs and cypresses are all found
in the forest. As the sub-tropical and temperate plants coexist in the
forest, the number of species reaches 805, including arctic plants and
ferns.

Mt. Wakakusa & Mt. Kasuga
1) Mount Wakakusa
Mount Wakakusa is covered with grass, and it will only take you about 20
minutes to reach the peak if you walk ver y fast. The view from its peak
is magnificent, and the evening view is super. Open between the 3rd Saturday
in March and the 2nd Sunday in December.

2) Kasuga-yama Trail
The Kasuga-yama Trail runs through the Kasuga Primeval Forest and is good
for hiking, forest bathing, and bird-watching. The Takisaka-no-Michi was
previously the Yagyu Road, a paved path along a stream toward Yagyu, the
village of swordsman.

3) Uguisu-zuka Ancient Tomb
The Uguisu-zuka Ancient Tomb is a roughly 100-meter-long key-hole shape
burial mound on the peak of Mount Wakakusa. It is believed to have been
built in the early 5th century. Since a mountain top tomb is very unusual,
Uguisu-zuka Kofun appeared in Makura-no-Soshi (The Pillow Book), an essay
written in the Heian period by Sei Shonagon.

4) Images of Buddha Carved in Kasuga-yama Stone Caves
The Kasuga-yama Sekkutsu-butsu are about 20 images of Buddha carved inside
two rocks excavated from the mountain surface, in the style of Atsuniku-bori
(deep-engraving.) They are also known as Anabutsu, literally “cave Buddha”
and the ancient inscription says that the images were carved in the 12th
century.

5) Images of Buddha Carved in Jigoku-dani Stone Caves
Jigoku-dani Sekkutsu-butsu are carved in the style of Sembori (line engraving.)
In the center of the front wall of the cave, there is a 1.4-meter-tall
seated statue of Nyorai, which is believed to have been carved in the late
Nara period.

6) Kubikiri Jizo
Kubikiri Jizo is a stone image of Jizo (bodhisattva) whose head is not
connected to its body. A legend says that Mataemon Araki, a swordsman tested
the sharpness of his sword here.

7) Uguisu Waterfall
Uguisu-no-Taki is a 10-meter-tall small waterfall, which is the headwater
of Saho River. The area around Uguisu-no-Taki is well-known for autumn
colors of Japanese maple trees.

8) Asahi Kan’non
Asahi Kan’non is the stone Buddha triad carved on the cliff along Takizaka
path. The image of Miroku Bosatsu in the center, and Jizo Bosatsu on both
sides are all facing the East. They are called Asahi Kan’non because they
glow in the morning sunlight.

Translators of this issue:

Journey to Beautiful Gardens in Nara

Isuien Garden (Nara City)
Isuien is a quiet garden secluded from the surrounding noise of Nara City.
It is a strolling-around-the-pond style garden designed to preserve the
beautiful landscape of Nara, following the Japanese tradition of valuing
seasonal natural beauty. Visitors can appreciate two gardens created from
two different periods, the Edo and the Meiji eras.

The garden is designated a Place of Scenic Beauty. Zen-en (Front Garden),
one of the gardens, was created in the early Edo period and is a calm and
secluded place. Ko-en (Back Garden) was laid out in the Meiji era, skillfully
incorporating the surrounding landscape as the backdrop of the garden.
Zen-en spreads to the right of the entrance, and was made by a wealthy
Nara-zarashi merchant. He transferred the Sanshutei Tea House to this site
at the side of the Yoshiki-gawa Stream as his villa in 1670s to enjoy sencha
(steeped green tea). He built another tea house called Teishuken and created
a garden commanding a view of distant mountains. Stone lanterns are placed
at some important spots around the pond, and rocks on the bank are arranged
in the distinctive style of the Edo period. Today meals and teas are served
at Sanshutei Tea House.

Ko-en is a strolling-around-the-pond style garden with a tsukiyama artificial
hill. It was created by a wealthy businessman in the Meiji era. As visitors
walk along a narrow path, their vision is abruptly widened, and a magnificent
view spreads out in front of them. The garden incorporates the distant
landscape of Mt. Wakakusa, Mt. Kasuga, Mt. Mikasa and even the adjacent
Nandai-mon of Todai-ji Temple as part of its garden design. This is called
shakkei, or “borrowed landscape.”

Neiraku Art Museum built in the garden displays a wide range of works including
bronze tools, rubbed copies and old mirrors of ancient China, ceramics
of the Goryeo period of Korea, tea utensils and old tiles of Japan.

Isuien Garden
Open: 9:30–16:30. Closed: Tuesdays, year-end and New Year
Admission: Adults 900 yen. Restaurant: In January and February open only
on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (11:30–15:30).
Closed December 13, 2016 to January 31, 2017.
Access: 15 min. walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. Address: 74 Suimon-cho,
Nara City
Tel: 0742-25-0781. www.isuien.or.jp

Yoshikien Garden (Nara City)
Yoshikien Garden is on the site of Manishu-in, a residence of high priests
of Kohfuku-ji Temple up until the Edo period. In the Meiji era, it became
a private possession, and the present buildings and garden were built in
1919. After being used as a corporate guesthouse, it came into the hands
of the Nara Prefectural Government toward the end of the Showa period,
and has been open to the public since then.

Yoshikien consists of three different types of gardens: The pond garden
was designed to take advantage of the natural terrain, the moss garden
is carpeted with cedar moss and the tea-ceremony flower garden is full
of seasonal flowers. The garden incorporates Mt. Kasuga and Mt. Wakakusa
as shakkei and offers visitors a peaceful moment.

Former Daijo-in Temple Garden (Nara City)
Daijo-in Temple Garden was devastated in the peasant uprisings during the
Muromachi period, but later restored by the famed garden designer of the
day Zenami. Court nobles, including the Shogun Yoshimasa Ashikaga, often
visited, and the garden was praised as the most beautiful garden in Nara.
The Heritage Center, built in a corner of the garden, displays related
historical materials. Events and gatherings using the tearoom and conference
rooms are also held at times.

Heijo Palace East Palace Garden (Nara City)
The Heijo Palace was constructed in 710. Once there was a pond measuring
60 meters from east to west and 60 meters from south to north in the southeast
corner of the palace. The area around the pond is now called East Palace
Garden, To-in Teien.

In 1967 a garden site was discovered at the eastern end of the Heijo Palace
Site, and a full-scale excavation was carried out to reveal the total picture
of the garden. The garden, measuring 80 meters from east to west and 100
meters from south to north, was named East Palace Garden (To-in Teien).
The garden was restored and has been open to the public since 1998. The
garden is very elegantly designed with a pond in the center and several
buildings around it, invoking the images of emperors and the aristocracy
of the Nara period holding ceremonies and parties there.

Jiko-in Temple (Yamatokoriyama City)
Jiko-in Temple, which belongs to the Daitoku-ji division of the Rinzai
Zen sect, was founded in 1663 by Sadamasa (Sekishu) Katagiri to pray for
the happiness of his father’s departed soul. Sadamasa Katagiri was a feudal
lord of the Yamatokoizumi-han and also the founder of Sekishu school of
tea ceremony.

The temple is simple but elegant and has a beautiful dry landscaped garden,
praised as one of the three most magnificent gardens in Nara. Visitors
are enchanted by the bright contrast between the whiteness of the sand
and the greenness of azalea shrubs, and the extraordinary view looking
over the whole Yamato plain.

Taima-dera Temple Nakanobo (Katsuragi City)
Taima-dera Temple is a large temple founded in the 6th century Asuka Period.
Many temple buildings, such as the East and West Pagoda, the Main Hall,
the Golden Hall and many auxiliary temples, including Nakanobo, stand in
the grounds. Some temple buildings, Koguen Garden and the Reihoden Museum
that houses treasures associated with Princess Chujo are open to the public.
Tree peonies in spring are especially attractive, and about 1,200 tree
peonies in different colors bloom one after another from late April to
early May. Apart from tree peonies, visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers
such as hydrangeas, cotton roses and Chinese bellflowers.

Among the many cultural assets in Taima-dera Temple, Koguen Garden is a
must-see. It was created in the Momoyama Period and is famous as one of
the three magnificent gardens in Nara. Centering on a pond in the shape
of the Chinese character for water in cursive style of writing, the garden
skillfully incorporates the East Pagoda as its shakkei borrowed landscape.

Chikurin-in Temple Gunpoen Garden (Yoshino Town)
Yoshino’s vast array of cherry blossoms in spring and its colored leaves
in autumn are well known for their unparalleled beauty, but spending time
there in winter enjoying spectacular views is another profound experience.
Chikurin-in Temple is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku, and
is famous as a refined shukubo temple lodging loved by Hideyoshi Toyotomi,
Akiko Yosano and many other writers and artists.

Its garden, Gunpoen, another of the three magnificent gardens in Nara,
is a stroll-around-the-pond style garden with shakkei borrowed landscape.
As wide as 33,000 square meters, it was designed by Sen Rikyu for Hideyoshi
Toyotomi. The garden is decorated with a profusion of weeping cherry blossoms
blooming in the center of the pond in spring, surrounded by beautiful greenery
in summer, adorned with bright colored leaves in autumn, and covered with
snow under the quiet, brisk and clear air of winter. These days Gunpoen
is popular as a hot spring inn with openair baths attached to guest rooms
and private baths.

Translators of this issue:

Mt. Wakakusa Grass Burning Festival
Wakakusa Yamayaki is one of the major events in Nara that heralds the coming
of spring. Held annually on the 4th Saturday in January, 342 meter high
Mt. Wakakusa is set alight and burned. It is commonly said that Yamayaki
represents the idea that the Shinto and Buddhist deities in Kasuga Taisha
Shrine, Todaiji Temple and Kohfukuji Temple syncretize to calm and console
the spirits of the dead, and furthermore to pray for the prevention of
disaster in Nara and for world peace. However, there are various theories
on the origin of the event. Three representative shrines and temples, Kasuga
Taisha Shrine, Todai-ji Temple and Kohfuku-ji Temple, claim that Yamayaki
originates in the woodcutter’s festival to console the dead spirits buried
in the keyhole-shaped burial mound on the top of Mt. Wakakusa.

There are also other theories: It was generally believed that if Mt. Wakakusa
was not burned in January, some inauspicious events would happen. Another
theory claims that it passes down the ancient custom of Noyaki (field burning)
that hastens the early spring shoots.

Although its origin is unclear, Yamayaki is certainly an important traditional
event in winter, and it also plays the role of a fire prevention campaign.
After a 600-firework display, the whole 33 hectare mountain is burned,
and blazing fire colors the winter sky red. That whole burning mountain
rising up into the night sky is a spectacular sight. Recently, the fireworks
have become popular because this is the largest display in Nara, and also,
fireworks in winter are unusual in Japan. The fireworks are must-see along
with the traditional events of Wakakusa Yamayaki.

Venue: Around Mt. Wakakusa in Nara Park
Access: Bus from Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station to Todai-ji-daibutu-den/Kasuga-taisha-mae
bus stop. 15-minute walk to the foot of Mt. Wakakusa.
View Points: Yamayaki can be seen from several places in the Nara Park:
IRAKA; the
Kasugano-enchi Field; and Tobihino Field.

Otateyama Festival
Since the Edo period, people in various parts of Nara have passed down
the custom of Tateyama, in which Tsukurimono, a fabricated decoration,
was used as a “scapegoat” to absorb evil or misfortune that might otherwise
befall people. The tradition of Tateyama is continued to this day, and
many local communities hold annual celebration to pray for good health.
Tateyama Festival in Okakiuch, Koryo-cho, Atago Festival in Yagi-cho, Kashihara
City, and Tenma Shrine Tateyama Festival in Higashinagara, Gose City. Based
on the original Tateyama, Otateyama Festival was re-established in 2015.

Four giant Otateyama are constructed on four floats and lights are placed
inside each one. These are associated with Four Devas which are guardian
deities of Nara. Local people then pull the decorated floats around Daigoku-den
Hall in the Heijo Palace Site at night. Along with other traditional events
from various parts of Nara, the festive mood rises to a climax with this
winter night festival.

Nara Rurie
“Kairo” means a cloister that encircles temple or shrine buildings and
courtyards. It is a walkway around the precinct. “Shiawase” is an act of
prayer by placing both hands together. Ancient Japanese used to place their
hands together toward revered deities. The image of people with their hands
together in prayer and gently bowing their heads has been part of the landscape
of Nara from ancient times to the present day. The azure color of lapis
lazuli had been regarded as a sacred color. The lapis lazuli was brought
to Japan along the Silk Road, as were precious stones that have fascinated
Japan since ancient times.

The time is early spring according to the calendar, but it is still bitterly
cold. The event “Shiawase Kairo Nara Rurie” invites visitors into the picturesque
world of lapis lazuli along lantern-lit paths that link the three representative
shrines and temples, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kohfuku-ji Temple and Todai-ji
Temple during special night openings.

Enjoy the heart-warming illumination in winter with all of Nara’s prayers.
Wish for happiness to come by placing hands together in the shrines and
temples and accordingly sanctifying the mind. Wish for world peace along
with the offering of the prayers of many, and hoping that the beautiful
earth in lapis lazuli color will shine forever.

Large Bowl Tea Ceremony at Saidai-ji Temple
According to the records preserved in Saidai-ji Temple, Ochamori-shiki
derives from an event in 1239 when Eison Shonin, a Buddhist priest, treated
the common people to powdered tea that was the remains of religious offerings
to Yahata-jinja Shrine. Eison Shonin strictly observed Buddhist commandments
and shunned drinking alcohol, so he took tea with the people instead. In
those days, tea was considered an expensive medicine, but he dared to treat
people to tea as a means of relief in a practice of social welfare. This
Eison Shonin’s virtuous deeds are believed to be the origin of Ochamori-shiki
that has been continued for nearly 800 years.

In addition, another important key word is Ichimi Wago, which means being
comforted by sharing something together in harmony. In the ceremony, we
do not drink tea separately; there are no individual bowls for each person.
Buddhist priests make tea in a large bowl and the guests help each other
to drink tea from the same bowl, which is intended to cultivate a feeling
of unity in people’s minds.

The Ochamorishiki, founded by Eison Shonin, embodies the ideology of Ichimi
Wago, an intrinsic essence of Buddhist doctrine. It goes beyond the superficial
meaning of Buddhist commandments that simply prohibits drinking alcohol.

During the present day ceremony, Buddhist priests make tea in a large bowl,
about 30 cm in diameter, and serve it to the guests. A guest lifts the
large bowl and drinks tea with the assistance of neighbors and then passes
the bowl of tea to the next, which produces a friendly atmosphere.

Mt. Miune Rime Ice Festival
Mitsue Village is located at the east end of Nara Prefecture bordering
Mie Prefecture. Its name derives from the legendary myth that Yamatohime-no-mikoto,
the daughter of Emperor Suinin, left her own cane (tsue) to mark the candidate
site for a Shinto Shrine to enshrine Amaterasu-omikami, the sun deity.
The village was closely associated with Ise and Iga in Mie Prefecture,
and it prospered as a post town in the Edo period because the main Ise
road ran through it from east to west.

Mt. Miune rises 1,235 meters high at the southeast of Mitsue Village, and
it is famous for rime ice in winter, which is rarely seen in the Kinki
area. The Muhyo Festival is held in Mitsue Youth Traveler’s Village at
the foot of the mountain from January to February, which attracts many
mountain climbers. (It is a ten-kilometers round trip and takes four hours.
Winter mountain-climbing equipment including climbing irons is necessary).
The breathtaking view from the mountain top and Hachiman-daira is spectacular.

Visitors can enjoy fantastic scenery of rime ice, and many pleasant events
and rare treats to warm the heart and body in the Muhyo Festival.

Hase Temple
Known as “a flower temple,” many varieties of flowers can be seen here.
Best period: Late December to late January.
Address: 731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai City. Access: 15-minute walk from Kintetsu
Hasedera Station. Tel: 0744-47-7001

Tsubaki Juan
With about 1,000 different varieties, 5,000-6,000 camellia trees are open
to the public.
Best period: February to early April
Address: 556 Ikenouchi-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara
Access: Bus from Kintetsu Koriyama Station to Katagiri Ikenouchi. Short
walk. Tel: 0743-52-6126

Kaizan-do Hall of Todai-ji Temple (one of the best 3 camellia trees in
Nara)
The garden is not open to public, but it is possible to view the “nori-koboshi”
ume trees over the hedge.
Best period: March to April
Address: 406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara City.
Access: Bus from JR or Kintetsu
Nara Stations to either Todai-ji Daibutsu-den bus stop or Kasuga Taisha-mae.
15-minute walk. Tel: 0742-22-5511 (Todai-ji Temple)

Aun-ji Temple
Wild camellia around the remains of the tower.
Best period: Late March to early April.
Address: 361 Kose, Gose City, Nara.
Access: 10-minute walk from Yoshino-guchi Station on the Kintetsu
Line. Tel: 0745-62-3346 (Tourist Association Office of Gose City)

Denko-ji Temple (one of the best 3 camellia trees in Nara)
Unique variety called “Chiri-tsubaki,” named for shedding its crimson petals
one by one.
Best period: Late March to early April
Address: 24 Ogawa-cho, Nara City.
Access: 15-minute walk from either JR or Kintetsu Nara Station. Tel: 0742-22-1120

Kosho-ji Temple
A unique, 6m high ancient camellia variety which blooms in many different
colors.
Best period: Late March to mid April
Address: Kake, Soni Village, Uda-gun, Nara.
Access: Bus from Kintetsu Habra Station to Kake Nishi-guchi. 5-minute walk
Tel: 0745-94-2106 (Soni Villlage Tourist Association Office)

Byakugo-ji Temple (one of the best 3 camellia trees in Nara)
“Goshiki tsubaki” or five-colored camellia, named for its flowers in 5
different colors. Designated as a natural monument.
Best period: Late March to mid April.
Address: 392 Byakugoji-cho, Nara City.
Access: 20-minute walk from Takabatake Jutaku bus stop, a bus ride from
either JR or Kintetsu Nara Station. Tel: 0742-26-3392

Translators of this issue:

EXPLORE THE WORLD OF KIKI MAN'YO Vol.3

Kojiki and Nihonshoki Kojiki is the oldest chronicle in Japan, written
on the orders of Emperor Tenmu, and compiled by Empress Genmei. It is composed
of three volumes: first, middle, and lower. The first volume contains collected
myths about Japanese deities. The middle and lower describe achievements
of previous Emperors, from legendary first Emperor Jinmu (712-586 B.C.)
to 31st Empress Suiko (554-628), over 1300 years.

The Nihon Shoki chronicles were created by order of Emperor Tenmu in 720.
It is a long history book composed of 30 volumes and 1 imperial family
tree. It begins from myths describing the birth of Japan, as does the Kojiki,
and covers up to the era of Empress Jito.

The compilation of the Kojiki and Nihonshoki started in Nara, a place in
Japan like no other, with its rich history, literature and regional traditions
passed down since the Nara era. Today, you can still see the landscapes
of those days of Kiki Man’yo and stand on spots associated with the myths
and traditions of 1300 years past.

Story 1
“Ichigon-san” the Great Deity Hitokoto-nushi of Katsuragi and Emperor Yuryaku
The Kojiki tells that when 21st Emperor Yuryaku was hunting on Mt. Katsuragi,
he encountered a procession exactly like his own. He said, “I am the only
emperor of Yamato. Whose procession is that?” The other side said the same
thing. Angered, the imperial attendants aimed their arrows at the rivals,
who also took aim at them. So the Emperor proposed they introduce themselves
to each other.

The rival announced, “I am the Great Deity Hitokoto-nushi of Katsuragi
who gives an oracle in a single word whether the fortune is good or bad,
and presides over the magical power of language.” In awe, the Emperor lay
down his weapons and ordered his attendants to take off their clothes,
and present them to the deity. This pleased Hitokoto-nushi greatly.

Katsuragi Hitokotonushi Shrine is dedicated to this Great Deity. On the
evening of the annual winter solstice, the “Ichiyoraifukusai” festival
takes place. People present votive lights before the deity and pray for
good luck. This festival can be traced back to a secret night time ceremony
from the Muromachi era.

Story 2
Moto Ise Old Shrine to Worship Amaterasu, the Supreme Sun Deity
During the Eastern Expedition of Emperor Jinmu as described in the Kojiki
and Nihon Shoki, Emperor Jinmu enshrined the Supreme Sun Deity Amaterasu
in Akino before marching to the conquest of Yamato. The Supreme Sun Deity
Amaterasu is the main deity enshrined in Aki Shrine.

The foundation story of this shrine says that Akihime-no-kami, a descendant
of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, enshrined Amaterasu there. This is one of the places
called Moto Ise, where Amaterasu was once enshrined before Ise Jingu Shrine
was built.

A Noh stage constructed in the Edo era still exists in the shrine precincts.
It is said that Nagayori Oda, a descendant of Nobunaga Oda donated it.
In June every year, the nationally renowned “Akino Hotaru Noh” is held
there.

Story 3
Deity of Sweets, Tajimamori with Noble Pure Heart
Legend says Tajimamori was ordered by 11th Emperor Suinin to leave Japan
and bring back the elixir of eternal youth and longevity. After searching
for 10 years, he found a fruit called “Tokijiku-no Kakuno-Mi”, regarded
as a secret medicine. He brought it back to Japan, only to find that Emperor
had already died. He made an offering of the fruit at the Emperor’s mausoleum,
crying so sorrowfully that he finally died. A small island in the moat
is said to be the tomb of Tajimamori.

After planting the seeds of the fruit, tachibana citrus sprouted. Since
then, that place came to be called “Tachibana.” Tachibana Temple is said
to stand on the birth place of Prince Shotoku, and is one of seven temples
erected by him. A statue of Tajimamori is enshrined In the main hall. He
also brought back brown sugar, so is considered the patron ancestor of
sweets.